When it comes to celebrating Dad, nothing says “I appreciate you” quite like a perfectly cooked cut of beef and a cold one. Whether your dad is a steak connoisseur, a burger guy, or a backyard barbecue king, we’ve rounded up the ultimate pairings to fire up the grill. Here are some classic beef cuts and recipes, paired with craft beverages to bring big flavor to Dad’s big day.
1. Ribeye Steak + Hazy IPA
Beef Cut: Ribeye
Flavor Profile: Rich, juicy, and marbled with flavor
Beer Pairing: Hazy IPA (e.g., Jai Alai Hazy IPA by Cigar City Brewing or Man-Mosa by Martin House Brewing Co.)
The ribeye, the king. Hazy IPAs are juicy, citrusy, and slightly bitter, making them the perfect match to cut through the richness of the steak. The aromatic hops complement the grilled crust while refreshing the palate.
2. Brisket Burnt Ends + Stout
Beef Cut: Brisket
Flavor Profile: Smoky, tender, caramelized
Beer Pairing: Milk Stout or Coffee Stout (e.g., Nitro Milk Stout by Left Hand Brewing or B.A. Birthday Sasquatch by 903 Brewers)
Slow-cooked brisket burnt ends deserve a dark, malty partner. Milk stouts or coffee stouts enhance the smoky-sweet crust and offer a smooth finish, matching the meat’s intensity.
3. Classic Cheeseburger + Pilsner
Beef Cut: Ground chuck
Flavor Profile: Savory, grilled, crave-worthy
Beer Pairing: Pilsner (e.g., Hans’ Pils by Real Ale Brewing Co. or Pivo Pils by Firestone Walker)
Burgers and beers are a no-brainer. A crisp, light pilsner adds a clean contrast to a juicy, cheesy burger without competing for the spotlight. Add pickles or spicy mustard to your burger and the pilsner’s snap becomes even more refreshing.
4. Carne Asada Tacos + Mexican Lager or Hard Seltzer
Beef Cut: Flank or Skirt Steak
Flavor Profile: Zesty, citrus-marinated, grilled
Beverage Pairing: Mexican-style Lager or Hard Seltzer (e.g., Modelo Especial, Southern Brunch by Southern Grist, or Cucumber Lime Ranch Water by Lone River)
Carne asada’s bold citrus notes pair well with something light and effervescent. A Mexican lager brings out the spices and keeps things cool, while a flavored hard seltzer like cucumber-lime can offer a refreshing, unexpected twist that’s still dad-approved.
5. Beef Short Ribs + Barrel-Aged Ale
Beef Cut: Short Ribs
Flavor Profile: Deep, meaty, fall-off-the-bone
Beer Pairing: Barrel-Aged Ale or Scotch Ale (e.g., Backwoods Bastard by Founders Brewing or Buried Hatchet by Southern Star Brewing)
Beef short ribs are decadent and complex, just like a good barrel-aged brew. These beers are often aged in bourbon barrels, giving them notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak that echo the savory, slow-cooked beef.
Bonus: DIY Pairing Party for Dad
Create a tasting board with sliders featuring different cuts or flavors (think smoked brisket, blue cheese burger, steak bites) and pour small tastings of craft beers to match. This lets Dad try several combinations and discover his personal favorite.
Happy Father’s Day! Cheers!
